The Dream Team is kicking it, people! 2010 is providing an abundance of love, energy and opportunity. Here's what is happening to a few of our Dream Teamers. Oh, and if you're overwhelmed trying to keep up with all of this greatness, you are not alone! I feel it everyday, lovingly!
Lori Mechem (superpower: her original music) has been writing original tunes with some of Nashville's best songwriters for pop, R&B, jazz and many other genres for 20+ years. Her tunes have been recorded by not only Lori (check out Welcome to Brazil & Dream of Life ) but by many other artists as well (two of them are featured on Make Someone Happy). They have been performed by various artists around the country and she's just getting started! Open Your Heart, a tune co-written by our Superwoman, is the 2010 Official song for TN chapter's Man & Woman of the Year campaign for LLS! J'Nae, Lori, Roger Spencer and Marcus Finnie are featured on the track...as well as a few other musical surprises. Stay tuned for more updates on our songwriting superhero soon.
Roger Spencer (superpower: his bass hands) provided us, his loyal fans, the most amazing experience last night! With Tamir Hendelman on piano and Marcus Finnie on drums and our favorite man in tights (ha!), we witnessed jazz at its finest and Roger pulling out some new tricks. We didn't know Roger had superpowers in his bass bow, but with his gorgeous solo on "It Never Entered My Mind" we were set in a trance and I'm not sure I've come out of it yet. We are so proud of Roger, Marcus and Tamir for giving us yet another reminder of the beauty, intensity and joy within jazz. Thank you!
Beegie Adair (superpower: her greatness) has been BUSY! She recently released her latest album Into Somethin' and she just recorded her trio's first live album at NJW last month. Radio is loving the trio's track, Dream Dancing, from our album and Beegie's killer solo! Last night, the great Tamir Hendleman acknowledged Beegie's presence at his performance and a room of Beegie fans roared in appreciation. Thank you Beegie, for your countless recordings and musical grace. We love you!
Sandra Dudley (superpower: that voice!) reincarnated the greatest jazz singer of all time, Ella Fitzgerald, on Valentine's Day at the Frist Center for the Arts. Jazz on the Move is a series hosted by the Nashville Jazz Workshop and last Sunday, my vocal producer took the stage to entertain, to educate and to honor the late Ella. In an auditorium that that has a capacity of 250, we had 519 fans who waiting anxiously to see & hear Sandra, with Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer and Marcus Finnie, perform Ella's finest material. She nailed it! Standing ovation, screaming fans and my complete and total admiration for this amazingly talented, worldclass woman. I didn't need that experience to know that Sandra is such a gift to all of us, but it brought so much joy in my heart to see her shine in such a brilliant way.
Heather Brand (superpower: her vision) is about the premier her photography to Nashville, in the hippest way possible. Her brilliant work will be featured at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, starting in April. As you know, Heather is my photographer and responsible for all my album photos. She's internationally known for her work in politics, fashion and now, music. My fans know me through her vision and now, you will get to become a fan of hers as well! Join us on April 9th at NJW from 5:30-7:30pm for her solo exhibition premier. It's free to attend and you will be able to purchase one of Miss Brand's framed pieces, matted prints or her photography book that evening. She will also be signing as well. Oh, and did I mention she has impeccable music taste!?! Lori Mechem, Roger Spencer, Marcus Finnie, Roy Agee, yours truly and Beegie Adair are all coming together to play an hour of Heather's favorite jazz and to celebrate our dear friend's special exhibition. Make your plans today and join us! It will be an unforgettable evening!
Denis Solee (superpower: his swing) is rocking the airwaves right now. We all know that Denis is one mean player and arranger and thanks to his swinging work on Make Someone Happy, the rest of the world is learning it as well! Three of his tunes on the album, When the Sun Comes Out, You Hit the Spot and Hey John are the top spins on radio, from MSH. Everyone loves a tune that swings and it's impossible to not tap a toe or shake the head and hips with his magical musical imagination! The success of MSH is a testiment to the people who produced the album and the music. Denis deserves much accolade for his work and we are so very thankful for him!
George Tidwell (superpower: his kindness) was recently honored in a very cool way! When the great Marvin Stamm visited NJW in late-2009, George got a big surprise. NJW's library, which is the home for over 5,000 jazz CDs, became the "George Tidwell Jazz Library. " The donor, Mark Edwards, and George go way back and Mark wanted very much to honor his best friend. So, on this special occasion, Mark took the stage and honored George with the heaviest plaque known to man, which is now permanately placed on the wall outside of the library. Such a cool honor for such an amazing man.
Brian Parker (superpower: his creativity) has more talents than I have been giving him proper credit for! Last week, I visited PK Productions new studio, which was designed by the man behind the fab art on my album! I was in awe and could not have been more proud of Brian! I've always known our favorite mad genius for his paintings, drawings and graphic design, but I had no idea of how stinkin' talented he was with set and interior design as well. WOW! Thank you, Brian, for your amazing gifts!
Roy Agee (superpower: his strength) is our butterfly and he is taking on a whole new body, new colors and experiencing what it's like to learn to fly. Roy is inspiring to me on so many levels. Most importantly, he is genuinely kind. He loves to make you laugh and to entertain, but you don't have to look far to see such a dear soul and he's not afraid to show it to anyone. I've made a career out of surrounding myself with people that are better than me and Roy is the perfect example of why I do this. Roy is taking charge of his life and fulfilling many dreams. He's lost almost 100 lbs in the past year, he's a ridiculously talents horn player and he's trying out lots of new gifts as well! Now, to understand what all of this really means, you have to keep up with his facebook posts and blogs. It's worth it. Check them out!
As for me (superpower: giving the ooh-la-la!), my joy is what is happening in the lives of those I love, personally and professionally. I feel like I just learned to walk forward, instead of in circles, in the past two years and I'm enjoying this journey. It's a beautiful path, paved with the brightest lights you've ever seen ahead of me. Some days the hills feel a little steep, but there are always overwhelmingly loving people at my side to make the hills a little easier to climb. They remind me why they are needed, so that I never take the smooth roads for granted and why I'm worth the success of reaching the top of them and the light in front of me. I am beginning to understand that life is truly about the journey and at every stop, there is still more light ahead.
Life is blessed and I encourage you to look closely at those around you and celebrate not only what they bring into your life, but the joy that others give to them. Understanding what makes the people around you happy and inspired will resonate within you and allow you to be the best friend, peer, lover or family member ever. Open Your Heart and you'll find so much joy that is surrounding you.
Keep swingin', Monica